The Weekly Update

Birth Announcement

Christopher Gravis and Melissa Gonzalez are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Josephine Gardner Gravis. She was born August 6 at 1:25pm, weighing in a 7 lbs., 12 ounces, and measuring 20 inches in length. Mother and baby are happy and healthy!

Christopher and Melissa are grateful for all the love and support they have received from the St. John’s Cathedral community.

Food Pantry Distribution

Saturday, August 16 (TOMORROW)

8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.

Food Pantry distribution is scheduled for tomorrow as the congregation supports the community by providing fresh produce, canned and frozen goods to families in need. The gates will open at 8.30 a.m. and volunteers will continue serving until supplies last. St. John's partners with the LA Food Bank, Seeds of Hope, and folks like you to make this vital ministry possible.

New Psalms Class Begins

Sunday, August 17

11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Followed by ZOOM on Wednesdays

6.00 p.m.

Spiritually deep dive into the Book of Psalms - Scripture's ancient prayer book that gives voice to the full range of human emotion. From lament to joy, trust to thanksgiving, the Psalms help the reader to pray honestly and live faithfully. The opening session will explore:



• What makes the Psalms so enduring and powerful, in liturgy and at home?
• Where do the Psalms come from?
• A six-part framework exploring the different types of Psalms.

Whether you're new to the Psalms or returning with fresh eyes, all are welcome. Bring a Bible, a journal, and an open heart.

Sacred Resistance seeks donations

The immigration justice ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles is organizing donations for families affected by ICE raids, seeking shelf-stable food donations, personal hygiene items, household essentials, and baby products, in addition to financial donations. In-kind donations may be made at 6125 Carlos Ave, Los Angeles, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Financial donations may be made through St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Hollywood via PayPal or Venmo to @ststephenshollywood.

Canterbury USC: 90th Anniversary

Sunday, September 14

10.00 a.m.

St. John’s will be filled with joy, gratitude, and community spirit as all celebrate 90 years of Canterbury USC.

Canterbury USC began at St. John’s in 1934 and has been a spiritual home for USC students for nearly a century - nurturing faith, fostering friendships, and equipping young leaders to serve in the world.

This anniversary is not just a look back, it’s a celebration of all that God is doing through Canterbury USC today. Thanks will be given for the generations of students, chaplains, and supporters who have been part of this ministry, and attendees will pray for the future God is unfolding.

Come and join the celebration! Whether you’re an alum, a current student, a longtime member of St. John’s, or simply someone who loves seeing young adults grow in faith, members would love to welcome you. Stay after the service for fellowship and refreshments as all continue the celebration together.

Honor the past, rejoice in the present, and step with hope into the future together.

Bishop Taylor invites all in diocese to join in Shepherd's Cup golf classic

Monday, September 15

This year's annual Shepherd's Cup golf tournament and dinner will take place at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit diocesan fire-relief efforts. Registration and more information are available here.

Responding to Israel-Hamas War

Make an urgent tax-deductible donation to Episcopal Relief & Development's Middle East Fund today. Your gift to the Middle East Fund will support the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem as they offer ongoing emergency and mental health services as well as access to education to those impacted by the current crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. Through your generosity, we are able to provide critical support as our partners adapt to changing needs in the region.

Climate Ambassador Program

Saturday, September 27

8.30 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

The Episcopal Church has partnered with Blessed Tomorrow and eight other Christian denominations to offer online training for people of faith ready to respond to the climate crisis with hope, courage, and action. Individuals who complete the training will be invited to join Blessed Tomorrow’s Climate Ambassador program, a national network offering resources, events, and connections. The Episcopal Church has participated annually in this ecumenical training since 2022; Episcopal modules are available to those who enroll in the training. REGISTER

Volunteer for IRIS Today

As the diocesan immigration justice ministry, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS), continues to serve after the loss of its federal funding, the organization is exploring new partnerships and offering new volunteer opportunities to support immigrants and refugees in the Los Angeles area. Due to decreased staffing and capacity, IRIS is not currently training direct service volunteers but is welcoming volunteers to help out at the organization in a variety of other ways. Possible volunteer ideas include assembling “Essentials Kits” and organizing drives for essential items for immigrant and refugee families, organizing fundraiser events for IRIS, facilitating workshops for clients, and more. For further information and to get involved, visit the IRIS volunteer page.